I'm pre-op for gastric bypass...

JadeAmber · August 2010

I'm almost three months in to preparing for gastric bypass surgery; I'm not much for face to face support groups but would like the advantage of hearing from those who are in my position or have been. I have lots of questions and am looking for friendly advice. The surgeon suggested the Roux-en Y procedure but I am still considering my options. I am 26 and have been overweight my entire life and am ready to let the thin, healthy me out for the rest of it! I've lost almost 10lbs already preparing and my goal is another 100 at least with the assistance of the surgery. Please give me your insights and what you've learned from your experiences. Thanks!

nicrus24 · August 2010

Just SAY NO!!! I am a nurse and this surgery is full of complication after complication. I have seen many post op patients years later and it is never good. This surgery is surgically induced anorexia. You will vomit after every meal. Your hair, nail, and skin will become very brittle. Malnutrition is huge, because this surgery does not teach you to eat right. I encourage you to do more research before you go under the knife. Best of luck to you.

marymooster · August 2010

This is a very personal choice.... I will just share with you my journey and thoughts when i considered this. I.ve know several people who had it done... and they would do very well... never regret that they did it..... then after a couple years.... they began to gain weight again and got as big or bigger than they were before..... I have also known several people who had it done and are absolutley great , They have adapted to everything and have had no further weight gain.....

for myself, The first time I considered it was in the 80's and still very new...... I decided not to because I wasn't willing to take the chance of problems and dying. I again looked at it in the past 4 years much safer and so many great varied procedures...
But it came down to one thing for me.... Having the procedure was going to force me to change my eating habits.... I was being made to do something... even though it is what I wanted..... why should I be forced by something or someone else..... I realized that was the way my life had gone. Everything was done by force, waiting for others or something else to push me,,,, even if it was what I wanted..... being pushed.... not taking my own initiative,,, or taking the initiative and fail;--I was giving over control of my body to something else.. It was at that point I decided WHy be pushed... The outcome could be the same..... So why not do it myself for myself..... Not long after that I discovered Hypno-psychotherapy and it has completely changed my outcomes.... I am 94 pounds down.... and still going.... I have developed a positive outlook and look at it all from the positive side... I work with what I have to create what I want... I do not work from a place of lack anylonger........ It is the emotions and the coping that need work and help....With out that...... It can still be a cycle. I would imagine that you are getting that in your preop stage.....

That's my story.... Good luck to you..... Am wishing you the best..... Good vibes your way..... Success is yours... take it....

CherisseJ · August 2010

I have a friend who had it done and only lost a few pounds afterwards which she went on to gain back. A few years later she had another procedure done and it has helped some but she really owes her weight loss success to working out / walking for exercise. There is a male friend in our church who had a band put around his stomach to make it a smaller pouch (can't remember what they call that surgery) and he really lost alot of weight and looked so good that my daughter and I both had it done. Neither of us has had any success which is discouraging! I really have to agree with what MaryMooster has to share. Best of luck in your decision whichever way you decide to go!

kerrymh · August 2010

I have a lapband..but I think the main thing I will say is that neither procedure will work long term unless you are ready and willing to change your lifestyle completely.
I don't regret getting my band and consider it a great tool. But I log my food in here have about 3 support groups designed to get to the heart of living life on lifes terms with out food as a crutch. And I am much more active. Give yourself a good look and ask yourself are you ready to make the changes mentally, emotionally and physically not just surgically!

shell_83 · August 2010

I personally have an uncle who had the bypass and he has nothing but problem after problem. He did lose quite a bit of weight but some of his stitches came undone and he almost died. I have also heard that in young adults with the bypass surgery there is a 1 in 10 chance of dying. This is a big and personal choice. I would really look into all my options. Good Luck and congrats on the 10lbs lost, it's a start.

LastFighter · August 2010

Congratulations on losing 100lbs in pre-op, why not just continue the hard work and put in a little more effort and lose the next 100 the old fashion way. I come from a big family have been big for overweight for severals years now. I have tried basically everything from pills to extreme dieting. Theres only 1 thing thats been keeping the scale going in the steady direction it has been and thats hard work. I still slip up from time to time but make myself pay in the gym. It says only 24 lbs lost on here but I am over 40 since I started. I know most people here wont give you the advice you want I hope whatever you do you change your lifestyle so that the results stay.

JadeAmber · August 2010

Thanks all for your insights; I am pretty set on doing the surgery. Over the years it has become safer and can be done laproscopically (spelling?). Also because I am young the surgeon told me I had less of a chance for complications. I'm kind of looking for people who have had it done to answer specific questions, for example "What are some obstacles that have come up that the doctors do not tell you?". Also would be great to have some who are doing the process I am, just to throw ideas off of and advice. I appreciate the opinions of those who say don't; but I'm looking for support with those who say do.

debbielou93722 · August 2010

I had my surgery two years ago on August 15th. I couldn't be happier. Yes, some people do have some problems but you work through them and figure out what your body will tolerate. I would recommend this only to someone who is commited to this life changing surgery. So, far I don't tolerate mayo, sugar and store bought dressings and sauces. So, I make my own. I make sugar free and non dairy cookies/cakes (birthdays and holidays). If I'm craving something sweet... I make my version of a blueberry pie (plain yogurt, blueberries and crumbled graham cracker). I found I really enjoy cooking more because everything is homemade now.
I would also recommed you start cutting your portions down now to 6-8ozs (meat; veggies or fruit and then starch) and eating 5-6 times a day. I don't tolerate beef at all.. It's not that I can't eat it...it just takes to long to chew. I think the hardest thing for me was not being able to drink while I ate my meals. I set reminders up when I could drink water. I drink more water if I use crystel light flavor packets (plain water is just harder to drink). I hope this helps. Take care and good luck

marymooster · September 2010

Since you have decided, the most important thing is do do as debbielou says. and commit to it... mentally emotionally and physically.
I only know about problems from people I know who have had it done and from being a nurse.. but food tolerence, vomiting, emotional distress diarrhea malnutrition with long term effects. The trick is know that they could be present... just don't invite them. Deal with them as they come..... but know the whole time you are incharge and you are able to do anything . If the mind can perceive it we can acheive it... not my quote. but a good one.best wishes... good luck... keep us posted on your progress

abbracadabra · September 2010

I have not had gastric bypass but I am 6 months post op from lapband. I coulddn't be happier with my decision and feel amazing (I don't look too bad either

)

It is absolutely essential to follow your program and they vary by surgeon/hospital. Of course malnutrition and other complications are possible, but the majority of them are caused by non compliance. If you don't take your vitamins and don't take in enough protein, you will lose your hair . If you eat too fast or too much, you will vomit and often or you may choose unhealthy "slider" foods causing you to maintain or gain. You certainly will not vomit after every meal if you eat the right foods, chew, and eat slowly! RNY or the band are not surgically induced anorexia! Anorexia is a psychological disorder with physical and metabolic consequences. Surgery creates a smaller pouch causing the patient to be full with less volume. Bypass is a malabsorptive surgery, meaning you must consume nutrient dense foods and take daily supplements. Simply being malabsorptive does not mean it is dangerous, bad, or unhealthy. IT does put responsibility on the patient to make good choices and follow up with one's surgeon.

I have gotten stuck a few times- taking a bite that was too big, a little too fast, or eating a little too much. It does not feel good, but walking and trying to relax makes it pass... feels like tight/sharp pain in the middle of the chest or throat. I follow my diet very well and still 224 days after surgery, I HAVE NOT VOMITTED ONCE.

The surgery itself does not teach you to eat right or battle emotional eating and scars. Finding a qualified surgeon supported by a strong multi-specialty program and recognized as an ASBMS Center of Excellence will set you up for success and support you when you stumble. Whether or not you understand proper nutrition or not, a nutritionist will help you learn how to eat post op and deal with life. I finally found one who understood my crazy work schedule (24hr shifts) and helped me deal with managing meals when eating on schedule is not possible. One of the best things to happen is I've finally learned how to cook, and I now love planning and preparing meals, especially when I can make things that are great tasting but nutrient dense, healthy options.

A solid program will provide you with MONTHLY support groups that may seem mundane, but they are a gathering of people in all stages of what you are or will go through. I look at them as an opportunity to listen to others' stories and get reinforcement from the surgeon and nutritionists. These programs also encourage frequent visits in the first post op year. Most importantly, they ensure medical clearance by any relevant specialists based upon your medical history.

Overall, surgery is safe. The risk of death is not 10% (1/10) but more like 0.1-0.5% depending on the study statistics. Lap surgeries offer fewer complications and faster recovery than their open counterparts. HOWEVER, any WLS is major abdominal surgery. They involve incisions, surgical instruments, general anesthesia, etc. Therefore, there are potential risks. Bad things can happen with any surgery. Of course, surgical complications are more prevalent in the morbidly obese population and even higher with other comorbidities. These are things you need to discuss with your physicians and your support people and resolve within yourself. Be frank, ask your surgeon for his statistics. Post op, people can and do get infections of various severity for many reasons. Rarely, RNY "goes wrong" and pouches are made too small or connections are leaky. Most of these issues can be avoided by selecting a qualified experienced bariatric surgeon, not just a general surgeon who also offers WLS.

Most importantly, the decision to have surgery is intensely personal, emotional, and life altering. It is not something to decide overnight. You must be an informed health care consumer and advocate for yourself. This goes for everyone, don't let others' misconceptions and skewed reasoning affect your desire to change your life for the better in any way you feel necessary! Do your research, follow a program, seek help when you need it, exercise, be realistic and remember your goals when life is tough.

BTW, I am a health care professional and very well educated, I do my research and I've read all the major studies down to the p values and sample data. Honestly, I mean no offense, but simply saying you are an RN does not imply knowledge of WLS except for anecdotal experience with patients who have had issues, those who are sick enough to be admitted. That is real experience, yet it does not reflect the broader population of WLS patients.

Good luck to anyone who has had or is considering surgery!

IsMollyReallyHungry · September 2010

There are many complications to ANY TYPE of surgery. Just like regular surgeries have many benefits to those will to follow doctor's orders. The same is true for all WLS available now. Unfortuantely there are many anti WLS medical professionals. I always notice there is almost never any mention of the many people who have benefited from these surgeries.

Example: Knee surgeries? Many complications and sometimes their can be many but I don't see people telling people not to have knee surgery. Many cancer surgeires have many complications. It is up the the individual whether or not they want to risk the complications. It is up to the individual to decide if the benefits of the surgery in question out weigh the complications that are absolutely a risk. All surgeries have their risk.

Congrats on your 100 pound weight loss!! your chances of long term weight loss is very good if you have RNY or LB. RNY has a higher percentage of success but both surgeries have come a long ways as far as success. And just like with losing weight thru exercise and diet your sucess depends on you. Your application of the your doctors orders and recommendations.

I had RNY in 2004 and it is the best gift I ever gave myself. Even though I gained almost a 3rd of my weight back I know I needed the surgery. Just like normal people gain weight, I did also over a 3 year period. Do your research. I have seen many successes with both surgeries. I know many who have the LB and end up have RNY 2 to 3 years later. Good luck to you!!

JDMPWR · September 2010

Couldn't agree with you more. IMO this is a quick fix for lazy people. I am sorry that it may sound rude but anyone that wants it bad enough can lose weight with proper diet and exercise.

Beebee78 · September 2010

I did consider having this operation done, but when I looked at the way you change your eating habits/ how quickly the weight comes off/price I decided that for 1/3 of the cost I could employ a personal trainer for 6 months, learn to eat small meals six times day anyway, fall in love with exercise and lose the same amount of weight while getting fit and feeling fantastic because I worked hard for it xxx

IsMollyReallyHungry · September 2010

Wow!!! Lazy people......:-( Yes,,,so SAD indeed. I just pray for people with these interesting and narrow minded opinions and statements. It doesn't sound rude. It sounds like a person who has never walked in a super morbibly obese person shoes and has no empathy for their issues. And narrows it down to plain old LAZY. Again all I can say is WOW!

JDMPWR · September 2010

OH really? I was 338lbs 2 years ago and 5 years ago I was 170lbs. I am now down to 221. So please tell me that again?

Once again lazy and lack of will power. Call me close minded but I have heard the "I can't lose weight, I have dieted, I have tried everything" excuse. I was one of those people that just couldn't lose it and thought about operation after operation but I seem to be losing it.

marymooster · September 2010

lots of energy around this one.... every one has to find their own way... It is a different issue for everyone as to why they are obese and what it is gonna take to lose it....
Will power is good but not the only factor. Deep imbedded emotions are the main cause....
Some people need more help and push than others.... but not everyone is the same.... we all tick to a different tock.
So. while for us... having the surgery is not an option and we are able to move ahead.... Others need more help and time....
Best wishes to everyone....

JadeAmber · September 2010

Just to clarify, I have not lost 100 lbs, just 10 the one person read it wrong. But I am proud of the 10+ lbs! (I've lost a few more) It's very nice to hear from those who have passed on their experiences in the RNY or lap band. I have educated myself on the subject but am always open to learning more. I am seeing a nutritionist and other professionals that are involved in the bariatric surgery team in the area. I am learning a lot from them and learning how to change my habits and thoughts gradually-the way you have always lived your life doesn't just change overnight. I have held a steady few pounds lost every month since I've been doing this. It's very upsetting to hear that some people think I or other who are overweight are lazy. Again, I've joined this site to gather support, not hear the criticisms of the few people who are opposed. I have not asked whether to do it or not. I have made my decision and am determined to become a healthy, thin person. Thank you again to those who have shared productive information and experiences. Please feel free to continue to keep in touch.

abbracadabra · September 2010

Good luck and congrats on your continued weight loss! Staying motivated and determined will carry you through. Feel free to message me if you have any questions.

Kim

KimSchnizleinWECHANGED · September 2010

I agree! I know you have to decide for yourself, but most of the patients that I dealt with post op had more than 1 complication. I also know at least 3 people who gained back at least half of the weight. If you start putting it back on this can also cause complications. IMHO I wouldn't have it done, and would do whatever I could to talk a friend out of having it done.

Susan57 · September 2010

everything u said about G.B. is true. a girl who worked in the same place as me walked around with a feeding tube in place and then died. there was nothing they could do. her whole family had it without problems, but not her. very sad. stick around with us. u lost 10 lbs. : )

Susan57 · September 2010

lapband is not near as bad. looked into it myself. did not think i could be compliant in the long run. i was pre-op too and for medical reasons i had to address them first. would like to drink a carbonated beverages and nuts. it takes more will power than i have so i am glad i did not do it. good luck 2 u.

caribear · September 2010

I had gastric bypass 10 years ago and it was life changing. I have put 50 to 60 lbs back on in the last 3 years but i am nowhere near what i was. Just keep in mind it is a life style change not a quick fix you still have to watch what u eat. The only thing is i am vit def now. When i had it done i was cut open and could not eat anything for 6 weeks just water. But i did loose 200lbs the first year. Good Luck u will do fine just listen to the dr and keep active as much as u can. (my fear was blood clots so i walked around the house when i could) You will prob be tiard for the first couple weeks. GOOD LUCK.

02bfitter · September 2010

wow, this is a topic that has encouraged me to write about my own weight loss surgery - performed earlier this year (May in fact).
I've always thought of myself as quite a strong minded person who encourages others to be empowered and strong of mind, body and spirit. I trained as a social worker although had a paralegal background also. After about 3 years of toing and froing as to whether I would require a RnY (gastric bypass) I finally ended up having it carried out. It was not an easy decision. But I have jumped ahead of myself. For whatever reason - and my reasons were many - there are some blockages some of us just cannot get over, whether we see a NUT (nutritionist) or therapist or do every diet imaginable. I was never a weighty kid, and nor in fact an overweight adult - till I went through menopause and also had a number of other issues that piled up so much so I just needed some serious help. So, I decided after a locum doctor suggested I was depressed and would I benefit from some therapy I decided to take control of myself - before I asked to be referred to therapy. Soooo, I sat myself down one day with my husband and told him all of my woes - hey, from child abuse, to rape, to fighting family in court to retain our family land and other family issues that try as I might - I could not hold it all together. Decision was made to at least go and talk with the surgeon (WLS) and his team - and there were many - a nurse, a psychiatrist, a nutritionist and also the surgeon. The information that they gave to me was beneficial and I came away thinking that I had not been in control of my life for such a long time. How in the world could I have been helping everyone else and yet I couldn't even help myself?
Like I said previously I have not been severely obese but was becoming hypertensive, had had no history of high blood pressure but this was fast becoming an issue, my knees ached, I had sleep apnoea, physically I was brassed off with myself because I love to walk and exercise but it hurt so much I just couldn't tolerate it.
The RnY operation was fine - it was 2 weeks of feeling a little uncomfortable but I did exactly what I was told - I walked and I sipped and I walked again and I sipped.... until I could eat the mush stuff - and I continue to walk and I have now become an avid fan again of gourmet cooking - the healthy way. I would do this over again in a heartbeat...... but, there are some folk that get severely depressed because they used to be able to eat whatever and their diets pre op were appalling - and they begin to be that way again if they let themselves slip back into those old habits. Why people do this I don't know although, just recently I've been having a health scare (in fact am due for a biopsy next Monday) and for the last couple of days I have had myself in "that place" again where I was putting food into my mouth without realising it. This morning I have listed down everything that I put in and if I continue along this path well, I will end up putting weight back on. It's not a nice place to be in....depression is a major factor in this battle of the bulge. However, we don't want to admit it to ourselves for fear of weakness or showing our weakness to others. This is how it was for me. I've put a lid on so many things in my life that at some point it had to combust and combust it did. I am over the moon I had my surgery - I am over the moon that I have continued to lose weight, I am over the moon that I now breathe and live for myself first and my family next..... when do we put ourselves first? With a family history of heart disease, diabetes and hypertension I didn't want to kick the bucket before I was 60!

RnY is a "tool" - and that is all it is. What we do with the tool is up to us. It aids us only so far.... the rest is up to us - and its not about weakness or strength - it's about facing up to the reality of this life of ours. Choosing our paths wisely. I get miffed when I hear people making generalisations about why people have this invasive surgery. I tell you, its a huge step and one to be considered very carefully.

For some people they would look at me and say I wasn't overweight - but now I've lost 30kg I'm back to where I was 5 years ago - no more pain, no more heart probs or even joint problems, no more breathlessness. I am happy and eternally grateful to the team who performed my surgery and continue to monitor my progress. Yes, here in NZ we have a "team" who stick with us for the first 12 months of this journey. They are there whenever we need them - to guide us, to give us tips on nutrition and whatever else we need to know.

I have not dumped nor have I thrown up, food has not become stuck... mostly because I am serious about what goes in. I enjoy a high protein, low carb diet... no alcohol, no fizzy, no bread, pasta or rice.... I do however make the meanest stuffed baked fish and enjoy gourmet delights. I can even eat pancakes (made with oatmeal instead of flour) - fresh fruit and low fat yoghurt. I am not missing out on anything.

I believe there are misconceptions out there in the world - for whatever reason..... not sure who begins some of these - obviously people who are not in the know.

There are specific weight loss surgery websites - one is www.thinnertimes.com and its a very informative site to be involved with. I am on there as well as here. I enjoy myfitness plan because it gives me just that...... I can log everything in and be true to myself. I can easily see how people can become complacent with weight loss surgery (after it) - easy to put that extra piece of food in your mouth at times - this is the cause of vomiting.

I will be on supplements for the rest of my life. My hair hasn't fallen out much - in fact, it all grows back and some say even more lusterous than previously. As recipients of this new tool we need a good multivitamin daily, iron tablet daily and calcium tablet daily...... these are very very important. I have a friend who had surgery 3 years ago and she stopped taking her vitamins and stopped eating the right foods - she spent all her time at McDonalds. She kept losing weight but she also became quite forgetful and had no energy - she slept all the time. Since she's been back to her surgeon and talked with him she is now back on her vitamins and eating a correct amount of food. Sometimes we do have to remind ourselves to eat 3 meals per day (or for some 6 smaller meals) and drink 8 glasses of water. I'm looking forward to the rest of my life with my new "tool" - I envisage participating in the New York marathon (a bucketlist wish) in the future - am giving myself 2 years - although 1 yr sounds even better.

Thanks for allowing me to throw my comments on here... am happy to answer any questions regarding my journey to date.....I realise I am still fairly new to this. Cheers

fit2sit · September 2010

There are pros and cons to a lot of things. As most people welcoming you have said. You have probably read all there is to know on the subject. My friend's soon to be ex wife had it done a couple years ago. She was about 320 when she got it and I think now she's about 160. The problem I thin kis it comes off pretty fast, and the skin doesn't have time to change, but this could have been her situation. So now she has that extra saggy skin around her midsection that will probably need plastic surgeery to remove. UNless she wants to gain the wait to fill it back and then lose at a reasonable level where it can meet her halfway.

Just some food for thought. Don't lose it so fast that the rest of your body can't catch up.

magicwheat · October 2010

My surgery was in March of 2006 and it was the best thing that I could have done. I had no complications at all from my RNY bypass and feel so much better. The pain in my feet, knees, hips and back has disappeared, I am no longer on diabetic medication, my blood pressure has returned to normal and, best of all, my resting heart rate hovers around 70 (used to be in the 90's.) I am a nurse and several of my co-workers had previously had the same surgery with minor or no complications. All of them agreed that their only regret was not having had the surgery sooner. Best of luck to you!

jaxkipi · October 2010

WELL, I'm a nurse too. RN on a Transplant Unit. I see a lot of end stage diseases secondary to obesity related illnesses. I have some of those illnesses. Have you ever seen or even experienced someone who is suffering with diabetes and their kidneys have shut down? Or hypertension for the same thing. How bout someone waiting for a new liver and has end stage liver disease secondary to fatty liver. I would say that these end stages are considerably worse than some of the effects after this kind of surgery. That's not to say that it is 100% safe. Every surgery has its complications. And you are correct, do your homework before selecting a surgeon or facility. I am having mine done at Mayo Clinic. I can only hope for a good outcome. But whatever happens happens. I suffer from an array of debilitating physical symptoms of obesity.

A co-worker of mine, another RN, had another kind of gastric bypass. She nearly died. She was on a ventilator and the works. You know what she said to me the other day when I told her I was considering the surgery? "I don't regret it. If I were asked if I would do it knowing what I went through, I would." She explained that her obesity was killing her. You can't walk without pain. Sleeping is a problem. Mentally and emotionally, you're a wreck. And the list goes on and on....It is an individual experience. I do not discourage anyone. But like other nurse said, do your homework and expect bumps in the road. It doesn't mean you won't do well. There are more cases that do well than those who don't. Best wishes to all.

Kathy

tjradd73 · October 2010

i agree with nicrus!!! if you can get the support i highly recommend you try it on your own!!! when i first started i had 114lbs to go and although it has been a long process for me...i really feel that it was worth the effort of doing with surgical assistance!! i have lost 50lbs and it is possible without the surgery! and he is right it has so many complications!! i also work in healthcare and have seen too many things go wrong to ever want to do it myself or anyone that i know and care about to do it either. you can do it!!

tjradd73 · October 2010

jadeamber...i do wish you the best of luck if you have your mind set on it!! and although i havent had it done personally i am still here for support if you need it before and after your procedure

just add me as a friend if you would like

vegwicked · October 2010

I haven't had WLS, but I've known a few people that have. Wish I was more informed about the types of procedures.

My aunt had a gastric bypass surgery about 10 years ago and lost a LOT of weight. Like she looked malnourished. She's since gained about half of it back (a lot due to being on steroids for other medical issues), but is happy as a clam. She can eat a normal-sized meal now too (half a sandwich, chips, grapes...stuff like that).

Her daughter had the same surgery 2-3 years ago. She was in her early 20's at the time. When she was in high school she'd lost about 60 lbs with Jenny Craig very quickly and had her gallbladder removed following that weight loss because she was having so much trouble with gallstones, so she was more prepared than your average patient for that aspect of the surgery (with the type she had, they remove the gallbladder at the same time as the gastric bypass because so many patients end up having them out anyway). The reason she had the surgery at such a young age was that she'd had back problems as a result of an injury and, after several back surgeries, she was still experiencing a lot of pain but couldn't exercise [though if her mother hadn't had the surgery, I don't think she would have had it]. She lost quite a bit of weight in her face and upper body, but not so much in her lower body. She [says she] spends 2 hours/day on an exercise bike. She's also had a lot of complications with the opening to her stomach closing up entirely and having to go have it re-opened because she can't eat/drink at all. She also has to take a lot of supplements. I worry about her health in the future because she's not the most compliant patient (eating small quantities yes, but not nutrient dense foods- no wonder her hair is falling out!).

And I have a different aunt on the other side of the family who did not have a weight problem until she gained 100 lbs with a pregnancy, then gained about 50 more, then had the surgery and lost all of it. And maybe more. And she looks fantastic. She can't tolerate sugar at all, even in fruit, but doesn't seem to have any other problems. However, IMHO, if she'd cut out sugar and scaled back her portions before the surgery it wouldn't have been necessary and she could eat a strawberry now without feeling like death.

You know what is best for you. I agree with some previous posters that said to make changes now as if you'd already had the surgery so you're used to them. I'd also add to look into what happens when people have gallbladder issues big enough to require the removal of the gallbladder, because I understand that can be a side effect of losing weight quickly and I'd hate for you to be caught by surprise.

tjradd73 · October 2010

i had the same issue with Jenny Craig!!! I was on it when I was 13 and I of course lost all of the weight I needed to but as soon as you tell a 13yr old that they don't need to diet anymore...that's it, right back to regular food for a teenager (fast food, icecream)!! shocks the system and I also had to have my gallladder taken out!!! yikes!!!

I haven't had WLS, but I've known a few people that have. Wish I was more informed about the types of procedures.

My aunt had a gastric bypass surgery about 10 years ago and lost a LOT of weight. Like she looked malnourished. She's since gained about half of it back (a lot due to being on steroids for other medical issues), but is happy as a clam. She can eat a normal-sized meal now too (half a sandwich, chips, grapes...stuff like that).

Her daughter had the same surgery 2-3 years ago. She was in her early 20's at the time. When she was in high school she'd lost about 60 lbs with Jenny Craig very quickly and had her gallbladder removed following that weight loss because she was having so much trouble with gallstones, so she was more prepared than your average patient for that aspect of the surgery (with the type she had, they remove the gallbladder at the same time as the gastric bypass because so many patients end up having them out anyway). The reason she had the surgery at such a young age was that she'd had back problems as a result of an injury and, after several back surgeries, she was still experiencing a lot of pain but couldn't exercise [though if her mother hadn't had the surgery, I don't think she would have had it]. She lost quite a bit of weight in her face and upper body, but not so much in her lower body. She [says she] spends 2 hours/day on an exercise bike. She's also had a lot of complications with the opening to her stomach closing up entirely and having to go have it re-opened because she can't eat/drink at all. She also has to take a lot of supplements. I worry about her health in the future because she's not the most compliant patient (eating small quantities yes, but not nutrient dense foods- no wonder her hair is falling out!).

And I have a different aunt on the other side of the family who did not have a weight problem until she gained 100 lbs with a pregnancy, then gained about 50 more, then had the surgery and lost all of it. And maybe more. And she looks fantastic. She can't tolerate sugar at all, even in fruit, but doesn't seem to have any other problems. However, IMHO, if she'd cut out sugar and scaled back her portions before the surgery it wouldn't have been necessary and she could eat a strawberry now without feeling like death.

You know what is best for you. I agree with some previous posters that said to make changes now as if you'd already had the surgery so you're used to them. I'd also add to look into what happens when people have gallbladder issues big enough to require the removal of the gallbladder, because I understand that can be a side effect of losing weight quickly and I'd hate for you to be caught by surprise.
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I'm pre-op for gastric bypass...

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